I am the Arcane Archer, and all my skills are self-created.

The moment the massive body of the Heart of Rock collapsed with a deafening roar, a crisp and melodious system notification sound, which shattered the mentality of countless players, once again resounded throughout the sky of District 21.

[Server-wide announcement for District 21: Congratulations to the team of players 'Seeing Flowers in the Mist' and 'Searching for Mist' from the 101 Newbie Village for successfully achieving the server-wide first kill of the level 15 wilderness boss 'Heart of Rock'!]

[As a first-kill reward, players 'Seeing Flowers in the Mist' and 'Searching for Mist Among Flowers' will receive +1 level and +100 reputation.]

……

The announcement was played three times in a row.

This time, the previous uproar and discussions were absent from the various newbie villages.

Instead, there was a deathly silence.

All the players who were leveling up, doing quests, or setting up stalls were frozen in place, as if they had been frozen in place. Their expressions changed from shock to confusion, and finally to numbness.

Again.

These two names again.

Another first kill.

From the level 10 dungeon [Shadow Lake Island], to the level 15 world boss [Venomous Hydra], and now to the level 15 world boss [Heart of Rock].

These two names, like two insurmountable mountains, weighed heavily on the hearts of all players in Area 21, making it difficult for them to even breathe.

Can the differences between people really be that great?

Beginner Village #102, Resurrection Point.

With a flash of light, Zhao Tianyu emerged from the respawn point, his face dark.

He had just led his scattered team, barely managing to clear out a wave of mobs halfway up Blackrock Mountain, and was preparing to regroup and challenge the lava lizard again.

As a result, before he could even fully buff himself, that cursed announcement rang out again.

Heart of Rock...

Isn't that the same rock golem they just encountered, the one who killed their main tank with a single punch, chased them like dogs, and ultimately caused their own instant death?

That freakish BOSS, who even their elite team of thirty couldn't handle, was just... killed by those two people?

And, it's the first kill?

"puff--"

Zhao Tianyu felt a sweet taste in his throat and almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

Beside him, Li Qiuyue's beautiful face had also lost all color.

She listened blankly to the echoing announcements in the sky, her mind a complete blank.

She was completely baffled as to what was going on.

She even began to have a ridiculous delusion.

Perhaps... this game wasn't designed for ordinary people like them at all.

From the very beginning, this world has been a stage exclusively for those two people.

They are all just insignificant background figures on this stage, responsible for applauding and providing background support.

……

Black Rock Mountains, the altar atop the mountain.

Two soft golden beams of light descended from the sky, enveloping Li Wu and Hua Zitong.

Warm energy flowed through their bodies, washing away all their fatigue and dust.

[System Notification: Congratulations on reaching LV15! Your Strength +1, Agility +1, Intelligence +1, Constitution +1, Spirit +1! You have gained 5 free attribute points.]

Without a second thought, Li Wu immediately added all 5 points of his free attribute to Intelligence.

He now fully understands that "intelligence" is the most crucial attribute for him as an arcane archer.

It not only directly affects his magical attack power, but also the damage of all his skills and his maximum mana.

After adding the points, he couldn't wait to open his attribute panel.

[Name: Seeing Through the Fog]

[Level: LV15 (235/1500)]

[Class: Arcane Archer]

[Talent: Soul of Destiny (Legendary)]

[HP: 205/205]

[Mana Points: 2290/2290]

Physical Attack: 72 (Equipment +20)

[Magic Attack: 175.6 (Equipment +20)]

Strength: 31 (Equipment +7)

Agility: 32 (equipment +16)

[Constitution: 29 (Equipment +12)]

Intelligence: 105.5 (equipment +10)

[Spirit: 28 (Equipment +9)]

Luck: 11.54 (Equipment +1)

Free attribute points: 0

Looking at his impressive stats, Li Wu felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

My IQ has finally broken 100!

Its magical attack power also reached an astonishing 175 points!

"Don't just stand there, hurry up and see what good stuff dropped."

Hua Zitong's voice pulled him back from his joy.

She was standing in front of the pile of loot dropped by the BOSS after its death, urging Li Wu on.

Li Wu snapped out of her daze and quickly walked over.

This time, although the drop wasn't as amazing as opening treasure chests before, it was still definitely a huge windfall.

There was a pile of shiny silver coins, a total of 15.

Three pieces of equipment radiating various colors of light.

Li Wu first skillfully stuffed 15 silver coins into his pocket.

"The team's public funds are continuously increasing in value," he said seriously.

Hua Zitong rolled her eyes at him, too lazy to pay attention to this little money-grubber, and her gaze fell directly on the three pieces of equipment.

The first item was a pair of incredibly heavy combat boots made of black rock, still retaining a trace of the warmth of lava.

【Step of the Rock (Rare)】

Type: Boots (Plate Armor)

[Level Requirement: LV15]

[Class Requirements: Warrior, Knight]

[Attributes: Constitution +30, Strength +20, Physical Defense +150]

【Special Effect 1: Steadfast (Passive)】 You are immune to all knockback and knock-up effects.

[Special Effect 2: Earth Power (Passive) - Each of your attacks has a 10% chance to inflict a 'Stun' effect for 1 second.]

"Rare-grade plate armor boots!"

When Hua Zitong, who was well-informed, saw the attributes of these boots, she couldn't help but gasp.

These attributes are practically tailor-made for the tank class!

Not only are its base stats incredibly high, but its two special effects are practically divine!

Immune to knockback and knock-up! The attack also stuns!

Wearing these shoes, she can truly become an unshakeable mountain!

"Yours." Li Wu readily handed over the boots to her.

Hua Zitong didn't stand on ceremony and immediately put on the new combat boots.

She could feel a steady and powerful force coming from the soles of her feet, making her feel as if she had become one with the earth.

The second piece of equipment was a leather gauntlet, also of excellent quality.

【Lava Heart Gauntlets (Fine)】

Type: Gauntlets (Leather Armor)

[Level Requirement: LV15]

[Job Requirements: None]

[Attributes: Constitution +15, Intelligence +10, Magic Attack +30]

[Special Effect: Your fire-based skills deal 15% increased damage.]

"This is great!" Li Wu's eyes lit up instantly when he saw the attributes of the gauntlets.

It increases constitution, intelligence, and magic attack!

The most crucial thing is that special effect: fire-type skill damage is increased by 15%!

His [Burning Arrow] and [Explosive Burning Arrow] are both fire-type skills.

These hand guards are a perfect match for him!

Without hesitation, he put on the new gauntlets, feeling the Arcane Bow in his hands become even hotter.

The last piece of equipment was a ring.

The entire piece is made of an unknown black metal, and on the face of the ring is a miniature volcano with lava still slowly flowing.

[Ring of Earthfire (Rare)]

Type: Ring

[Level Requirement: LV15]

[Job Requirements: None]

[Attributes: Intelligence +25, Spirit +15]

【Special Effect: Lava Eruption (Active)】When activated, a lava shockwave explodes centered on you, dealing fire damage equal to 200% of your magic attack power to all enemies within a 10-meter radius and inflicting a 'Slow' effect. (Cooldown: 10 minutes)】

"A rare ring!"

Li Wu's heart suddenly started pounding wildly.

The properties of this ring are absolutely amazing!

The basic 25 points of intelligence and 15 points of spirit alone are enough to drive all magic-based classes crazy.

Not to mention that active AOE skill, [Lava Eruption]!

"Here, take this ring. I already have [Contaminated Gaze (Excellent)]," Li Wu said directly upon seeing the ring.

Although the ring's attributes perfectly suit him, Hua Zitong can also use it.

【The Contaminated Gaze (Excellent)】 is only suitable for him.

Hua Zitong nodded without saying anything and immediately equipped the gear.

After Li Wu equipped all the level 15 gear, his attributes experienced another terrifying leap.

His magic attack power, after taking into account all the equipment bonuses, has exceeded 280 points!

This number is enough to make any player at this stage feel hopeless.

After dividing the spoils, the two men looked at the empty altar and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright, we've defeated the BOSS, shouldn't we head back now?" Li Wu asked.

"Go back?" Hua Zitong glanced at him and suddenly smiled.

"Who said we were going back?"

"The show isn't over yet."

As she spoke, she turned her gaze down the mountain.

Looking into the distance, there was a group of people heading this way!